As Fiji and China celebrate 50 years of diplomatic relations, a heartwarming story of community upliftment has emerged from the maritime province of Kadavu.

In a social media post, Lynda Tabuya expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Chinese Ambassador to Fiji, H.E. Zhou Jian, for marking the golden jubilee of China-Fiji relations with an Easter weekend visit to Tiliva. Travelling in true maritime fashion, Ambassador Zhou officially opened a women-led canteen and guesthouse, projects funded through the China Aid programme.

“This is not just infrastructure—this is economic empowerment with real, meaningful impact,” Tabuya shared. “Our women are now thriving with their canteen, and villagers no longer need to travel to Kavala to shop. Tiliva is becoming a local hub.”

The newly established guesthouse also offers a valuable tourism boost, welcoming visitors to the doorstep of the iconic Astrolabe Reef and providing accommodation options for travelling officials. The revenue generated will help sustain village operations and invest in long-term development.

“What we’re building here is a legacy for our children and future generations,” Tabuya added. “We may be small in numbers, but we must not be forgotten in national development.”

She concluded by thanking Ambassador Zhou and the People’s Republic of China for their continued commitment to supporting Fiji’s maritime provinces, which for too long have felt left behind.